Synthesis and characterization of powdered CNT-doped carbon aerogels

In this work, carbon aerogel (CA), and CNT-doped carbon aerogel (CNT-CA) were synthesized and characterized. Aerogels were prepared using sol-gel conventional method and condensation polymerization of resorcinol and formaldehyde in CNT-surfactant stable suspension. The samples were dried with freeze dryer and carbonized in furnace under a nitrogen atmosphere. The aerogels were converted into powder form using a mortar grinder. Homogeneous powders were obtained with particle sizes about 11.48 ± 4.00 μm. The specific surface area and density of the aerogels were equal SBET (797.96–1507.47 m2/g) and ρa (0.12–0.16 g/cm3), respectively. Physical, chemical and morphological characterizations carried out on the synthesized aerogels by Nitrogen adsorption-desorption, FTIR, Raman, XRD and FESEM. Capacitive properties were investigated by CV, GCD and EIS methods. The results showed higher specific surface area and total pore volume for CNT-CA, concluding in valuable performance and better electrochemical properties compared with CA. Grinding had no negative effect on the physical structure and morphology of the aerogels. Outstanding properties of the developed aerogel is promising for applications such as nanocomposite reinforcement.